Feb 21 2024 40 mins 1
Dr. Deanna Thompson brings a unique perspective to Pastoring in the Digital Parish, having been ministered to through digital means during her ongoing battle with an incurable form of cancer. Dr. Thompson recounts her journey from digital skeptic to advocate. Deanna unpacks the pressing challenges that face young people as they navigate the complexities of online communication without the seasoned guidance of adults, educators, and religious communities. We also explore the responsibility that educators and faith institutions must shoulder in fostering ethical online behavior and community-building.
Dr. Deanna Thompson is an author, speaker, and Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community and Martin E. Marty Regents Chair of Religion and the Academy at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Several years ago, she wrote a book called “The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World”.
In this episode:
(00:00) Exploring faith in the digital world
(04:01) Digital skeptic turned advocate for online connections.
(06:59) Digital technology as a tool with limits.
(10:21) Challenges of online navigation and misinformation spread.
(15:37) Challenges of digital pastoral care and advocacy.
(18:39) Vulnerability in sickness, online spaces offer solace.
(21:37) Discerning digital connection’s role in church mission.
(27:12) Church staff adapting to digital skills demand.
(30:40) Exploring the complexities of being a digital native.
(34:48) Discussing trust and boundaries in online spaces.
(38:02) Enhancing dialogue on compassion and ethics online.
More from Pastoring in the Digital Parish: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish
Pastoring in the Digitial Parish is a production of United Methodist Communications.
Dr. Deanna Thompson is an author, speaker, and Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community and Martin E. Marty Regents Chair of Religion and the Academy at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Several years ago, she wrote a book called “The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World”.
In this episode:
(00:00) Exploring faith in the digital world
(04:01) Digital skeptic turned advocate for online connections.
(06:59) Digital technology as a tool with limits.
(10:21) Challenges of online navigation and misinformation spread.
(15:37) Challenges of digital pastoral care and advocacy.
(18:39) Vulnerability in sickness, online spaces offer solace.
(21:37) Discerning digital connection’s role in church mission.
(27:12) Church staff adapting to digital skills demand.
(30:40) Exploring the complexities of being a digital native.
(34:48) Discussing trust and boundaries in online spaces.
(38:02) Enhancing dialogue on compassion and ethics online.
More from Pastoring in the Digital Parish: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish
Pastoring in the Digitial Parish is a production of United Methodist Communications.
